Find out from ASDA how the volcanic ash affects travel insurance
Travel insurance: Coping with volcanic ash disruption
Like all great disaster movies, the story of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland has given itself plenty of scope for a blockbuster sequel.
Disruption from the Iceland volcano could continue for months or even years as its ash cloud causes aircraft flight cancellations. So how will it affect your travel plans, and can you expect your travel insurance to cover losses or costs caused by volcanic ash?
Nobody has a crystal ball that can predict when the next eruption will occur, but for other holiday eventualities, you can get covered with holiday insurance through Asda Financial Services.
Package holiday travellers
If your flight is cancelled or delayed, and the disruption causes a significant change to a holiday, then your tour operator must offer the choice of an alternative, or a refund of the full package price. According to travel industry standards group ABTA, a change of more than 12 hours on a 14-night holiday is considered to be a significant change. No compensation can be claimed however, as the volcanic eruption is an unusual event, outside of the tour operator’s control.
Independent holidaymakers
If you’ve booked your flight and accommodation separately and face a delay or cancellation on your outbound journey, your airline must offer to refund the flight cost or provide a seat on an alternative flight. If you call off your holiday because of flight cancellations, getting a refund on accommodation will be at the discretion of the accommodation supplier. Alternatively, your travel insurance may provide cover.
Check the small print
Travel insurance policies can differ greatly, so it’s important to read the small print. Some policies will have provision for cancellation or curtailment, so you may be paid out for wasted accommodation if you are unable to fly due to volcanic dust.
However, generally speaking, insurance only covers unknown events that happen after a policy is taken out. So, customers who bought insurance after the first instance of volcanic ash cloud disruption in April may not be covered for resulting losses. Some insurers are treating each airport shutdown as a separate event – but many are not.
Stranded abroad?
If you are stranded at an airport within the European Union, or your airline is EU based, then you will be protected by EU Denied Boarding Regulations. Your airline will provide refreshments, and accommodation if delays run into the next day.
If you are outside of the EU, and your airline is not European, you should check your airline’s terms and conditions. Most airlines will provide a refund or an alternative flight, and some may also provide assistance during the disruption.
Certain insurance policies will provide cover for a delay in your return trip for up to 36 hours - possibly enough for a night in a hotel. If you plan to make a claim for expenses run up during a flight delay, keep all your receipts.
If you’ve bought a single-trip travel insurance policy your insurance company will automatically extend your cover until you arrive back in the UK – typically up to a period of one month.
Risk assessment
Remember, travel insurance is vital for foreign travel for the wide range of protection it can provide in the event of theft or injury.
Emergency repatriation from the US can cost as much as £35,000, and costs caused by a broken leg skiing in Europe could set you back a four-figure sum.
Alternatively…
Book a holiday that doesn’t require flying! There are a whole host of fantastic holiday options either in the UK or on the continent. There’s plenty of great coastline to choose from on our beloved isle, or a short ferry trip will take you somewhere with less chance of rain and superb wine for your enjoyment. If you’re planning a driving trip this summer, you could save money and stress with European Breakdown Cover from Asda
